Despite their claims to the contrary, Liverpool had no choice but to sell their prized asset after Torres made it clear on Friday night that he wanted to leave for Stamford Bridge in order to win major silverware.

The 26-year-old is already eyeing up the biggest trophy of the lot as he is eligible to play in the remainder of Chelsea's Champions League campaign this season.

He is not cup-tied even though he played in the Europa League for Liverpool and will be able to play in Chelsea's last-16 tie against FC Copenhagen later this month.

Torres said: "It's my dream to win the Champions League and I'm sure I can get it playing for Chelsea.

"I think all my team-mates share this dream with me so, hopefully, we can achieve that.

"The Champions League is a big ambition and all footballers want to play in it. It is a very important competition.

"But also Chelsea have the chance every season to win all the trophies that they play for, so when you have the chance to play in a team like this you cannot say 'no'."

Torres is set to make his debut against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and is sure to face a hostile reception after suggesting he has joined a bigger club.

He added: "It is like destiny. It is not perfect for me but we will see what happens. It has been two or three or four very hard days.

"I am a Chelsea player now and I am really happy. I am sure I am taking a big step forward in my career joining a club like Chelsea.

"It is the kind of team I want to play for, one of the biggest in Europe who are always fighting for everything. After that there are no more steps forward, this is the type of football I want to play - they are one of the top clubs in the world and I can do it now. I have to be very happy and I am.

"I felt from last summer that I needed to take a step forward in my career and for my ambition as a footballer.

"I am joining a club with big names like [John] Terry, [Frank] Lampard, [Didier] Drogba and [Nicolas] Anelka and I can be part of this great team.

"I just want to be at the level where I am pleased to stay. Everybody will be expecting big things from me and I am prepared for it. I like to play in games that motivate me."

Torres has struggled for form this term and has put the blame on Liverpool not having players of the ability of Benayoun to help him.

He said: "I need this kind of player and Chelsea have plenty who can play with quality that can see the last pass. For my kind of football it is very nice to have these kind of players.

"I had a very good relationship with Yossi on and off the pitch. It is great news for me to join the same team as him again at a club like Chelsea.

"I have already spoken with Yossi. He was very worried about everything during the last few days but he is very happy as well and I am delighted to play with him again. Hopefully, he will be back on the pitch as soon as possible and I can join him on the pitch.

"I am just hoping to arrive at the training ground, see all my new team-mates, meet them and join them as soon as possible."

Torres will have to wait as Chelsea play Sunderland tonight but he is relieved that he will now be on the same side as captain John Terry even though he netted seven times in eight games against the Blues.

He added: "I know he is a great captain and he is exactly the kind of player I want to play with and not against because it is very tough to play against John Terry.

"I have played against Chelsea, too, many times in the past and things happen on the pitch but they stay on the pitch and I am very happy to play in the same team as him because he's a good player."